Faith

Consider the Mustard Seed

Matthew 13:31-32

31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

A mustard seed is so small (1 to 2 millimeters) that if you were holding one in your hand and dropped it on the ground, you might not be able to find it, yet the tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide.  The mustard seed tree can thrive in clay or sandy soil and grow in hot and dry or cool and wet climates.  If the tree is cut down to the trunk, it can grow back again.

At the age of 19, I entrusted God with my very first mustard seed of faith.  In a small church in Macomb, Illinois I declared “Jesus is Lord” in the waters of baptism.  God took that mustard seed of faith and over several decades grew it into a beautiful, mature tree.  However, this is the season of my life where this tree has been cut down to the trunk, and I need to believe that this trunk will grow back to the 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide tree again.

My identity is changing. I’m single rather than married, I’m an orphan rather than a daughter to living parents, I’m the youngest child rather than the middle child, I’m a cancer patient rather than counting 10 years cancer free, I’m and Oregonian rather than a Californian, I’m a work-from-home employee rather than a corporate office employee.

But one thing has not changed.  I am a child of God whose identity is in Christ.  My life circumstances may change drastically, but who I have become in Christ and who God says I am will never change.

This trunk of mine is still standing because it has roots deep in the ground.  This trunk may no longer have branches and leaves, but don’t let that fool you because the foundation of this trunk is made to last and made to grow. I look forward to seeing what the new growth from this trunk will look like.  The branches may twist and stretch in a completely different pattern than before the trunk was cut down, but it will be just as beautiful.

I have considered the mustard seed.  Will you also?

Trust in God with your mustard seed of faith.

Start small and watch it grow.]]>

11 thoughts on “Consider the Mustard Seed”

  1. You are an inspiration. Thanks for the reminder that I only need faith the size of a mustard seed to keep going!

  2. Thank you. I love this reminder that by declaring Jest is Lord I 1997, I put my Faith in Him for life. Yes, sometimes I am challenged to hang in to Him more strongly than other times. Like today— sitting in the ER again with my mom this morning, another infection. It challenged my faith this morning as I knew my day and week were going to be rescheduled, but know this is where I’m meant to be. Support to mom and use this time to be a joy to others as hard as it can be. Thank you Diane. I love you and am praying daily for your health, happiness and future blessings. God is with us. ????

    1. Kathy, Thank you for your prayers and support. It was so good to see your mom smiling on your Facebook post. Good to know she has good days. You are such an amazing daughter. I’ll be praying for the infection to heal quickly.

  3. My challenges are beyond what I can handle. I cry out to the only one who can help. If the help is not to my liking, I don’t have to like it, I don’t have to understand it, I just have to trust the Lord.

    1. Sue, I love ? what you shared. Sometimes our mustard seed faith will be offering up prayers with tears ? and God will use our tears to grow beautiful things in our heart and life. You have endured so much, but one thing I know, you proclaim God and his word all the time. Love you.

  4. Hi Diane, I loved “However, this is the season of my life where this tree has been cut down to the trunk, and I need to believe that this trunk will grow back to the 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide tree again.”. What a great insight. I should think more about that in my own circumstances. I tried to call the other day – will try again. Love you and your faith so much!

    1. Thank you Suedine for your specific feedback. I look forward to talking.

  5. Love this post. It is one of my favorite stories in the Bible.
    Your faithfulness will keep growing. Gods love is forever. I look forward to your words of spiritual encouragement.

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